<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The <strong>President Droupadi Murmu</strong> has given her assent to the <strong>Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026</strong>, thereby providing legal backing to Amaravati as the state capital. This development ends a long‑standing political debate and signals a coordinated effort between the state leadership and the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Union Government — the central executive authority of India, led by the Prime Minister, which can influence state legislation through cooperation (GS2: Polity)">Union Government</span>.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Assent by <span class="key-term" data-definition="President Droupadi Murmu — the constitutional head of state in India who gives assent to bills, a crucial step for a law to become effective (GS2: Polity)">President Droupadi Murmu</span> on the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026 — legislation that formally designates Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the state's administrative reorganisation (GS2: Polity)">Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026</span>.</li> <li>Issuance of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Gazette Notification — official public notice published in the Government Gazette, marking the legal enforcement of a law (GS2: Polity)">Gazette Notification</span>, confirming Amaravati’s status.</li> <li>Public gratitude expressed by <span class="key-term" data-definition="Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu — elected head of the Andhra Pradesh government, responsible for state policy and administration (GS2: Polity)">Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu</span> and senior BJP leader <strong>PVN Madhav</strong>.</li> <li>Recognition of the role played by Amaravati farmers in sustaining the capital‑building project.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <ul> <li>The amendment act was passed by Parliament and required presidential assent to become law.</li> <li>Amaravati’s designation as the capital is now permanent, ending previous proposals to shift the capital elsewhere.</li> <li>Both state and central leaders highlighted the decision as a "victory for the people of Andhra Pradesh" and a testament to cooperative federalism.</li> <li>The move is expected to unlock further infrastructure investment and urban development in the region.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>This episode illustrates several core UPSC themes: the constitutional role of the President in the legislative process (GS2: Polity), the dynamics of centre‑state relations, and the political importance of capital cities in federal structures. It also underscores the impact of agrarian stakeholder mobilisation—here, the farmers of Amaravati—on policy outcomes, a point relevant to GS4: Ethics and GS3: Economy (rural development). Understanding the procedural steps—bill passage, presidential assent, and Gazette Notification—helps aspirants grasp how laws are enacted in